Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 March 2018
1065. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if the existing fire-based emergency medical services system will be provided funding and fully retained to enable the members of Dublin Fire Brigade to continue with the service it delivers (details supplied) further to concerns raised by members of Dublin Fire Brigade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12924/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraResponsibility for the provision of emergency medical services, including pre-hospital emergency care, rests with the Health Service Executive (HSE) which operates the National Ambulance Service (NAS) and emergency departments in hospitals in accordance with health sector legislation and national policy. The HSE operates under the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Health.
As Minister with policy and legislative responsibility for fire safety and the provision of fire services by local authorities, I am primarily concerned that local authority provided fire services are meeting their statutory obligations in respect of provision of fire services and fire safety, as set out in the Fire Services Acts, 1981 and 2003.
Dublin City Council provides fire services for the city and county of Dublin, which are resourced by the four Dublin Local Authorities, through Dublin Fire Brigade (DFB). Dublin City Council, through DFB, also provides an emergency ambulance service on behalf of the HSE on an agency basis in the greater Dublin area. Any amendment to this arrangement is a matter for Dublin City Council and the HSE in the first instance.
